Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890
Person
Major General Francis Henney Smith (b. 1812 d. 1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the U. S. Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (VA) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the "builder and rebuilder of VMI." Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John T. L. Preston Craney Island journal (photocopy and transcription), 1861 July 24 - September 22
File
Scope and Contents
Copy and transcription of John Thomas Lewis Preston journal, which he called "Jottings", written during his military assignment at Craney Island, Virginia in the the summer and fall of 1861.
Relating to his activities while with the 9th Virginia Infantry Regiment under the command of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Includes comments on the cuase of the Civil War, the defense of Norfolk, military science, and family.
Relating to his activities while with the 9th Virginia Infantry Regiment under the command of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Includes comments on the cuase of the Civil War, the defense of Norfolk, military science, and family.
